It has been reported that patients face an increased risk of the DePuy LPS knee fracturing and loosening, which could result in loss of the leg, dangerous infections or even death.

DEPUY KNEE LAWSUIT STATUS: Potential claims are being reviewed by DePuy knee replacement lawyers for individuals who have experienced problems after receiving the Limb Preservation System (LPS) and the LPS Diaphyseal Sleeve, including:

OVERVIEW: The Diaphyseal Sleeve was used to make sure the other components of the DePuy LPS knee system fit together properly. The DePuy LPS knee replacement is used to reconstruct severe defects in soft tissue and bone.

On January 4, 2013, DePuy Orthopaedics, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, sent an urgent recall notice to health care providers, warning them to stop using the sleeve on their patients due to a risk of fracturing.

On February 22, the FDA determined that the action constitutes a Class I medical device recall for the LPS Diaphyseal Sleeve, which is the most severe type of medical device recall, suggesting that the agency believes continued use of the product poses a substantial risk of severe adverse health problems or death. The agency indicated that the DePuy knee implant could fracture or fail, increasing the risk of limb loss, infection, compromised soft tissue, and even death.

REPORTS OF DEPUY LPS KNEE FRACTURING AND LOOSENING: At the time of the recall, the FDA had received at east 10 reports of incidents involving the LPS Diaphyseal Sleeve knee implant. In six cases, the device fractured, and in four cases loosening was reported. However, the number of reported adverse events typically only represent about 1% to 10% of all problems associated with approved medical devices.

The FDA believes that the taper connection between the LPS Diaphyseal Sleeve and the Sleeve Base may not be able to handle the loads placed on it during normal walking.

As a result of the recalled DePuy knee implant, patients may have been exposed to an increased risk of leg amputation, infection, and death. Financial compensation may be an option through a DePuy LPS knee lawsuit as a result of the manufacturer’s failure to adequately evaluate the risks associated with the implant or warn about the risk of DePuy LPS knee problems.

2 comments

In 1975 had old-fashioned meniscus removal in rt knee. In 2011 began having stability problems in rt knee. After various treatments,MD recommended TKR. I received Depuy Implant on 8/2//2012. Had scar tissue issues and knee scoped 1/25/2013. Scar tissue returned and had surgery to resurface knee cap and remove new scar tissue on12/26/13. Did fine 1st week, was able to walk with little pain and a walker was used mainly as safety precaution. However, after 2 weeks my knee became extremely painful and swollen. It is very painful just to stand and difficult to place any weight on rt leg. Straightening leg is almost impossible and feels like something is pinching. I’ve lost about 22 degrees of flexion. MD feels everything is in it’s proper place. He has put me on antibiotic and aspirated blood from my knee for culturing. He thinks suture line shows signs of allergic reaction and is testing me for metal sensitivity.
This ordeal is wearing me out. Richard